YOUR FAITH MUST NOT FAIL (II)

Faith is the ingredient of great works. It is believing God in spite of the prevailing circumstances. The toughest times always produce the greatest moments. We have to keep the light of hope aflame and the fire of faith burning in our hearts. Last week, I started a discussion on the importance of faith in our walk with God and I will continue on how you can hold fast to your faith.

HAVE AN EARNEST EXPECTATION
Having an earnest expectation simply means ‘visualizing’ the end while ‘vocalizing’ your faith. What goes through the mind is expressed through the body. The mind is powerful; our imagination is so creative. What you expect is what you get! Proverbs 23:7 says, ‘For as he thinks in his heart, so is he’ (NKJV). Philippians 1:20 says, ‘According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.’ I have an earnest expectation that ‘Out of the Broken pieces of my past, God shall build an evidence of hope.’ Declare like King David, ‘I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living’ (Psalm 27: 13 NIV). Believe that God’s goodness will come your way and you will live to declare His glory.

ENGAGE YOUR HEART
Don’t succumb to the fearful imaginations of your heart. If you don’t engage your heart, it will destroy you. There is no one who does not have fears but a courageous person is one who has overcome his fears. 1 John 3:20 says, ‘If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.’ If God wanted us to be led by our hearts, He would not have given us the Holy Ghost. When evil imaginations come, pull it down. When thoughts of evil and death fill your heart, put it under subjection. 2 Corinthians 10:5 says, ‘We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ’ (NASB). Engage your heart and ensure your heart does not pollute another person’s heart.

EXALT THE LORD
Abraham staggered not at the promise of God but was strong in faith giving glory to God. Abraham kept glorifying God. Faith works but praise revitalizes faith. Rise up and praise the Lord. Sing high praises to our King. Praise Him through the bad times until the good times come. And when eventually you see the goodness of the Lord, keep praising Him. The Psalmist was a man given to praise. In Psalm 34:3, he says, ‘O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together’ (KJV). Psalm 100:1-2 says, ‘Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.’ Jeremiah 20:13 says, ‘Sing to the LORD! Give praise to the LORD! He rescues the life of the needy from the hands of the wicked’ (NIV).

Is your faith waning? Do you feel weak? Look at the examples of great men. Listen to God’s word and believe His promises will be fulfilled in your life. Give God quality praise and watch as the mundane experiences the miraculous and becomes spectacular.

#gregerhabor